It was a hot afternoon, and the Louisville Cardinals were just as hot as the final weekend of summer wrapped up. The game started off shaky for UofL, as the offense stumbled out of the gate with a three-and-out and then a drive hampered by penalties. Despite the slow start, the Cards caught their rhythm. They finished the first quarter with 30 rushing yards and 49 passing. Keyjuan Brown punched in the game’s first touchdown to give Louisville a 7-3 led.
Photo Cred: Courier Journal
The second quarter opened with Antonio Watts recording his first career interception. Bowling Green was having success, but Watts changed the tone. The offense scored off the turnover. Brown powered in another one-yard touchdown to stretch the lead. UofL defense held and then Caillin Lacy ran back a spectacular 54-yard punt return touchdown, putting the Cards ahead 21–3. The UofL defense rose again with D’Angelo Hutchinson stepping in front of Drew Payne’s pass. The play cut short a Bowling Green drive in the red zone to snuff out their momentum.
The third quarter showed off Louisville’s kicking game. UofL’s offense stalled, kicker Cooper Ranvier took over, delivering three field goals in the period. He dropped a 57 yard bomb, the second-longest kick in Louisville program history and the longest ever at L&N Stadium. The fourth quarter delivered its share of fireworks as well.
Photo Cred: Toledo Blade
In the fourth with the game out of hand the Bowling GreenBowling Green’s Lucian Anderson III broke loose for a 75-yard touchdown run. Louisville responded with a 10-play, 75-yard TD drive. Bowling Green struck back once more with a 38-yard touchdown pass from Drew Pyne to Jacob Harris. Louisville went home with a 40–17 victory. The Cardinals flashed big-play ability, great kicking game, and great defense. Fans should have plenty of optimism as they enter the conference season.
